Jun Izakaya Japanese Korean Dining Pub: Korean Culture Immersion (Malate Manila)

How did I end up at Jun Izakaya during a weekday night?  To be honest, I forgot how the day began.  I can only recall the few hours before, during and after the our little session.

Then again, time proves that what I think is an ordinary day isn't and a little session may be of much more significance that I think...

It was Valentines Day and my friend D organised a single dating event so I came to support him by taking photos.  At a young age, D is a successful band manager and moderator of a big facebook group.  Yet, he is a humble son of a pastor which makes him super cool  

After the event, Korean friends were teasing D to invite his female "friend" (according to him) to join us.  We were really hungry but the girl was too shy and took too long to confirm!  While, waiting... J was busy fixing something that looked like a toy grenade.  Pretty soon, he said it was ready.  

I asked what it was and they told me it was a bomb.  Since all of them had been to the Mandatory Korean military training, I really thought it was true... We proceeded to Jun Izakaya with it.

We proceeded to the second floor.  It had two empty tables so we owned the whole place to ourselves.  Soon, D's friend arrived.  They ordered Beer, Soju and food.  

Being the sole foodie in the group, yes... the food were mostly devoured by me.  The food was good for an affordable price.  

Oden Nabe (500 php)

The Oden Nabe is a Japanese version of hot pot.  The twist in Jun Izakaya's version is that it has rice cakes as influences by the Korean cuisine.  Hmm.. this was more than enough for the five of us.  

Ttok Bokgi (250 php)

The Ttok Bokgi  is also a big serving of  spicy chewy rice cakes with greens and fish cake.  I couldn't stop munching on this while my companions were drinking and having so much fun with drinking games.

They say drinking is an important part of Korean culture.  That is an understatement.  Korean drinking session is unlike any other in many ways:  

First, they make drinking grand by using the grenade looking toy as I've googled is called a "Someak Tang Tang" which you attach with a chopsticks and then click to make a magic bubble foam with your beer.  They let me do some "clicking".  It was cool!  I became an instant bartender haha.  

Second, they have a lot of cool moves from the opening of the the bottle, to mixing and more!

Third, they have lots of fun drinking games.  I'm surprised they could think of a lot of fun excuse to drink!  

Fourth, even when they're barely lucid from drinking,  they can think, they can listen to elders wise words and they can be polite and respectful as to age and rank. 

So, even though I don't understand Korean, I learned a lot that night.  I'm sure they will be great people someday after they graduate from De La Salle University whether they decide to stsy here or go back to Korea.  I am fortunate to \be acquainted with them by circumstance.  

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I have always loved surprises.  Thanks to Jun Izakaya, I had a double surprise that night.  Who would have thought, I'd find this hidden gem for great food, drinks and comforting ambiance.  It also made me know about Korean culture and get to know how how Korean youth's aspire and dream.

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating		Jun Izakaya Japanese Korean Dining Pub Menu
Ambiance	★★★	Menu 1
Taste	★★★★
Service	★★★★
Price	★★★★
♥=Favorites or Recommended

Jun Izakaya Japanese Korean Dining Pub
Business Address	1812 Maria Orosa St Malate Manila; Metro Manila
Business Hours	6pm-4am
Payment Options	Cash
Service Charge	10%
Budget/Person	250-500
Free WiFi	No
Contact	(0917) 127-2789
Other

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